Wringer head for washing machines



Feb. 16, 1954 W B BEUSCHER 2,669,110

WRINGER HEAD FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Jan. 16. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR, iii/{W15 fez/14%;:

Feb. 16, 1954 W. B. BEUSCHER WRINGER HEAD FOR WASHING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 16, 1950 Feb. 16, 1954 w B BEUSCHER 2,669,110

WRINGER HEAD FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Jan. 16, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Feb. 16, 1954 WRINGER HEAD FOR WASHING MACHINES William B. Beuscher, Kansas City, 'Mo., assignor,

by mesne assignments, to'Appliance Engineering 00., Kansas City, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application January 16, 1950, Serial No. 138,860

1 Claim.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in wringerheads for washing machines, and has particular reference to the clutching and indexing mechanisms of said wringer heads.

In washing machines of the ordinary household type, the wringer assembly is disposed over an open-topped tub or tank, being carried by a wringer head. Said wringer head is mounted at the upper end of a vertical power shaft disposed adjacent the side of the tub, and serves to transmit power from said shaft to the wringer rolls, which are usually horizontal. Said wringer head is provided with clutch means whereby the wringer rolls maybe started, stopped and reversed. It is also provided with means whereby it-may be pivoted about a vertical axis to position the wringer for conveniently transferring the material being laundered from the washing machine tub to other tubs or containers adjacent the washing machine. Customarily the head is provided with indexing means whereby it may be positioned and locked at predetermined intervals in its rotation. Many accidents and injuries have occurred from attempting to turn the wringer head about its vertical axis while the wringer rolls are in operation, and from starting the wringer rolls when the head is intermediate its index positions. In the latter case, the opcrating torque on the power shaft will tend to spin the head about its vertical axis, with resultant danger to persons standing nearby. The principal. object of this invention, therefore, is the provision of a wringer head of the class described wherein the wringer head cannot be rotated about its vertical axis except when the wringer rolls are inoperative, and wherein the clutch cannot be engaged to drive the wringer rolls when the wringer head is moved intermediate its index position.

Another object is the provision of a wringer head of the class described wherein the above de-- 2 and adaptability for use with various types of washing machines.

With these objects in view, as well as other objects which will appear in the course of the specification, reference will be had to the drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a washing machine including a wringer head em.- bodying the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary irregular section taken on line IIIIII of Fig. 2, with parts left in elevation, showing the clutch mechanism in the neutral position.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line l'V-IV of Fig. 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary section taken on line V-V of Fig. 3.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary section taken on line VIVI of Fig. 3.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on line VII-VII of Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line VIII-VIE of Fig. 3.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on line IX-IX of Fig. 3.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional taken on line X-X of Fig. 3.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 3, showing the position assumed by the parts when the wringer head is turned intermediate its index position.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on line XII-XII of Figure 3.

Figure 13 is a. sectional view taken on line XIII--XIII of Figure 3.

Like reference numerals apply to similar parts throughout the several views, and the numeral 2 applies to a washing machine of the ordinary household, type including an open topped tub or tank 4 in which is operatively mounted an agitator member 6. A wringer drive shaft 8 extends vertically adjacent the side of tub 4, and is adapted to be rotatively driven by the same power unit, not shown, which operates agitator 6. Said drive shaft is carried in a non-rotating tubular housing In which extendsabove tub 4 and about the upper end of shaft 8, and which is rigidly fixed adjacent its upper end in r a bracket 12. Said, bracket is. secured to the outer surface, of tub 4 adjacent the upper edge thereof by any suitable means. such as rivets M. A circular index plate i6. is rigidly fixed to housing I0 concentrically-therewith and in spaced relation above bracket I2. As best shown in F g. 9, said index plate is p ovided with a plurality of notches I 8 equally spaced about the periphery thereof. Eight notches are shown, although a larger or smaller number could be used if desired, an even number being preferred. The plate I6 is beveled at the upper rims of said notches, for a purpose hereinafter appearing.

Wringer head 20 is mounted rotatably on the upwardly extended end portion of shaft housing I0. Said wringer head includes a hollow metallic body member 22 having side walls 24 and 26, an outer end wall 28, a top wall 30, intermediate wall 32, and bottom wall 34 extending horizontally between side walls 24 and 26, a cylindrical wall 36 extending downwardly from bottom wall 34, and a cylindrical member 38 disposed concentrically within wall 36 and supported therein by reinforcing webs 40, as best shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Wall 36 normally overhangs and extends slightly below index plate I6, as shown in Fig. 3. All of the above enumerated body member parts are integral, and may be formed by any suitable process, such as die-casting.

Cylindrical member 38 of the body member is axially bored from its lower end to form a socket 42 adapted to fit rotatably over the upper end portion of shaft housing I0, whereby the wringer head may be rotated about its vertical axis and may move longitudinally to said axis. An index pin 44 is rigidly fixed in body member 22 at the lower end thereof intermediate cylindrical walls 36 and 38, being inserted tightly in a tubular support 46 formed integrally with the body member. Said index pin is provided at its lower end with a circular head 48 which is tapered to correspond to the beveled edges of notches I8 of index plate I6. Said index pin is adapted to enter said notches successively by gravity as the wringer head is rotated manually. When said index pin is turned out of one of said notches, it will cam the entire head upwardly until the end surface of said pin rides on the upper surface of index plate I6 intermediate notches I8, as shown in Fig. 11.

Fixed in the wall of shaft housing I is a rivet 50 or other suitable stop member, said rivet projecting outwardly from said housing into a groove 52 formed peripherally about the inner surface of socket 42 to limit the upward movement of the wringer head. Said groove is sufliciently wide to permit the index pin 44 to be cammed out of the index plate notches I8 as described, but to prevent any further upward movement of the wringer head. This is accomplished by the abutment of rivet 50 against the lower wall of groove 52, as shown in Fig. 11. The inner wall of socket 42 is provided with a plurality of grooves 54 extending from the lower edge of groove 52 to the lower end of said socket, as best shown in Figs. '7 and 8, said grooves being spaced peripherally about socket 42. Grooves 54 provide that the wringer head may be placed on or removed from shaft housing I0, rivet 50 passing selectively through one of said grooves. It will be noted by a comparison of Figs. 7, 8 and 9 that rivet 50 will be aligned with grooves 54 only at certain indexed positions of the wringer head. When the wringer head is moved intermediate indexing positions, as in Fig. 11, rivet 50 will' always be out of alignment with grooves 54, and the wringer head cannot be removed.

A vertical operating shaft 56 is disposed rotatably in body member 22 coaxial with driveshaft 8, being journaled adjacent its upper end.

in a bearing 58 provided in intermediate Wall,

and adjacent its lower end in a bearing 60 provided in bottom wall 34. Shaft 56 is prevented from moving upwardly by the close proximity of the upper end thereof to wall 30, and is prevented from moving downwardly by a snap ring 62 disposed in a groove 64 formed in said shaft adjacent the upper surface of body member wall 32. At its lower end shaft 56 extends downwardly into socket 42, and has a transverse slot 66 formed in the lower end thereof for engagement with a tongue 68 formed at the upper end of drive shaft 8. This type of connection between shafts 56 and 8 is axially extensible, permitting the wringer head to be elevated as described above by index pin 44. It also permits easy disassembly of the wringer head from the shaft housing I0.

Carried for free rotation on shaft 56 within body member 22 are a pair of confronting bevel gears I0 and I2. Said gears mesh respectively with diametrically opposite portions of a bevel gear I4. Gear I4 is rotatable about a horizontal axis at right angles to shaft 56, having a hollow tubular hub I6 journaled in a tubular bearing I8 formed integrally with a vertical plate 80. Said plate forms an inner end wall for the body member, and extends vertically between horizontal walls 32 and 34. Said plate seats against a shoulder 82 formed in the body member, and is secured in place by screws 84. Side walls 24 and 28, and walls 32 and 34 of the housing extend past the end of bearing I8 to the right as viewed in Fig. 3, and wringer assembly 86 is secured to walls 32 and 34 by means of bracket 88. Said bracket is provided at its lower end with hooks 90 adapted to project through holes 92 formed in wall 34, and at its upper end is provided with ears 94 adapted to be secured to wall 32 by screws 96.

Wringer assembly 86 includes a pair of horizontally disposed cooperating rolls 98, which are driven through means not shown by a horizontal shaft I00, best shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Said shaft extends outwardly from the wringer assembly into the hub I6 of bevel gear 14, and is transversely slotted at its end to engage a planar bar I02 rigidly fixed in said hub, whereby rotation of gear I4 will rotate shaft I00 to operate the rolls. The top bar I04 of the wringer assembly overlies the top of body member 22, and is provided at its inner end with a depending ear I06 adapted to project downwardly through a hole I08 formed in top wall 30 of the body member. Said ear is provided at its sides with notches IIO for engaging a reduced portion H2 of hole I08, thereby securing said top bar in place.

A clutch member H4 is carried for longitudinal sliding movement on shaft 56 between bevel gears I0 and I2, but is secured against rotation thereon by means of key II6. Said clutch member is provided at each end with longitudinally projecting lugs Il8. Corresponding lugs I20 are provided on the inner faces of bevel gears 10 and I2. It will be seen that when the clutch member is disposed centrally between gears I0 and I2, lugs II 8 thereof do not engage lugs I20 of either gear. This is the neutral position. When the clutch member is moved upwardly, its lugs engage the lugs of gear I0, thus driving gear I4 and shaft I00 to turn the wringer rolls in one direction. When the clutch member is moved downwardly, its lugs will engage and drive gear I2 to turn gear 14, shaft I00, and the wringer rolls in the opposite direction.

Clutch member II4 may be moved upwardly or downwardly by-means of a controlshaft I 22 man to coaxial with gear I4 and carried rotatably in a tubular bearing I24 formed integrallywith end wall 28 of the body'member. At its inner end said shaft carries a flat cam I26 at right angles" thereto. A crank pin I28 projects from the inner face of said cam parallel but eccentric to shaft I22. A bearing block I30 carried rotatably on pin I28 is disposed slidab'ly in a peripheral groove I32 formed in clutch member 4. Thus as shaft I22 is turned a quarter turn in either direction from its neutral position, clutch member II 4 will be moved upwardly or downwardly to engage gear or gear I2. A hollow handle I34 is secured non-rotatively to the outer end of shaft 22, and serves as a means for manually turning shaft I22. Said handle is provided with a radial extension I35 which serves as an indicator showing the direction in which the laundered material will be passed through the wringer rolls. As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the rotation of handle I34 is limited by a web I38 formed integrally with body member 22 and projecting into said handle. A pair of webs I40 are formed integrally in the handle and overlap the outer end portion of web I38. Webs I46 are so positioned as to limit the rotation of handle I34 to substantially 90 degrees in either direction from the neutral position.

As best shown in Fig. 6, cam I26, which turns with control shaft I22 is substantially oval in shape, having rounded indentations I42 and I44 formed in the periphery thereof along its minor axis, and rounded indentations I46 and I46 I formed in the periphery thereof along its major axis. Said cam comprises a head I 56 formed integrally with shaft I 22, and a steel sheet metal cup I52 positioned over said head and having the above described indentations therein. Said head has lobes I54 formed thereon for engaging and supporting said cup. It will be noted that the major axis of the cam is horizontal when the clutch member H4 is in its neutral position.

A locking and safety pin I56 is disposed within body member 22 parallel to drive shaft 8 and on the diametrically opposite side thereof from index pin 44. Said pin is carried for axial sliding movement in a bearing I58 formed in bottom wall 54 of the body member, and extends downwardly therefrom through a tubular member I60 formed integrally with said body member. Adjacent its lower end, said pin passes slidably through a washer I62 pressed into the lower end of tubular member I50. A helical spring I64 is disposed about pin I56 within tube I66, bearing at its lower end against washer I62 and at its upper end against a pin I66 inserted transversely through pin I55. Pin I56 is thus urged upwardly at all times. lhe portion of pin I56 extending above wall 34 passes between a pair of supporting lugs I 68 formed integrally with body member 22, and bears at its upper end against the periphery of cam I 26, as shown in Fig. 6.

When cam I26 is in its neutral position as shown, the lower end of safety pin I56 projects partially through one of the notches I8 of index plate I6. It is however of smaller diameter than the width of the notch, and will be lifted out of said notch when the wringer head is cammed upwardly by index pin 44. When cam I26 is turned so that its major axis is vertical, to engage the clutch H4, safety pin I56 will project entirely through the index plate, and will lock the wringer head against rotation. When, with the clutch I I4 in a neutral position, the wringer 6 r head is turned intermediate its indexing positions, theiower end of safety'pin will be closely adjacent theupper surface of index plate I6 intermediate notches I8, as shown in Fig. 11.

'. If it is then attempted to turn handle I34 to set the wringer rolls in operation, the safety pin will be cammed downwardly against the index plate. The reactive force will tend to lift the wringer head, but the wringer head is locked against elevation by the engagement of rivet 56 with the lower wall of groove 52. Thus, handle I314 cannot be turned until the wringer head has been turned to an index. position and safety pin I56 is disposed in alignment with one of notches I8 in the index plate. A wringer head which is quite safe in operation is thereby produced. TlThewri-nger head cannot be turned from one index position to another except when the wringer rolls are inoperative, and the wringe-r rolls cannot be set in operation when the wrirrger head is intermediate index positions. The indexing is automatic in the sense that it requires the operation of no external levers, buttons, or the like, and the safety mechanism functions automatically Whenever handle I34 or the wringer head is turned.

It will be noted that in the operation as so far described, only one of the cam indentations on the minor axis of the cam is used, that is the lower indentation I44. The upper indentation I42 is provided to allow for either right or left-hand rotation of drive shaft 8, without disturbing the relation of pointer I36 of handle I34 to the direction of rotation of the wringer rolls, since washing machines are commonly provided with both left and right-hand wringer drives. said pointer should point in the direction in which the laundered material moves between the wringer rolls. The drawing shows the parts positioned for right-hand rotation of the drive shaft. To adapt the device for left-hand drive, handle I34 is removed from shaft I22 and said shaft is turned through degrees, and handle I34 again assembled thereon. This reverses the direction of offset of eccentric crank pin I28, and provides that turning handle I34 in the same direction as before will move clutch member H4 in the opposite direction.

While I have shown and described a specific embodiment of my invention, it is apparent that many minor changes of construction and operation could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What IcIaim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

For use in connection with a wringer assembly having horizontal rolls and adapted to be operated by a rotatably driven vertical drive shaft, a fixed tubular housing coaxial with said drive shaft, a planar index plate secured concentrically to said housing in spaced relation from the upper end thereof, said index plate being notched at spaced intervals around the edge thereof, and a wringer head adapted to carry said wringer assembly, said wringer head comprising a body member having a socket formed in the lower portion thereof which fits for rotary and vertical movement on the upper end portion of said housing, said socket having a recess in the vertical wall thereof, means secured to the housing and extending within the recess for limiting the vertical movement of said body member on said housing, an index pin fixed in said body member andadapted to engage successively the notches in said index plate as said body member is rotated, said index pin being beveled whereby said body member will be elevated to the upper limit of its vertical movement when said index pin is intermediate said notches, a driving connection carried in said body member between said drive shaft and said wringer assembly, a clutch adapted to selectively engage, disengage or reverse said driving connection, a shaft carried rotatably by said body member and adapted when turned to operate said clutch, a cam fixed to said clutch shaft, and a safety pin carried for vertical movement by said body member, resilient means carried by said body member and urging said safety pin against said cam, whereby when said clutch shaft is turned to move said clutch to either of its operative positions, said safety pin will be extended downwardly toward said index plate, the notches in said plate being so positioned that the safety pin can enter one of them only when the index pin is positioned in another of them.

WILLIAM B. BEUSCHER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number Name Date Couch et al. Dec. 19, 1919 Smith Apr. 3, 1923 Mitchell Mar. 13, 1928 Hirschy Apr. 10, 1928 Criner Sept. 11, 1928 Betz Sept. 29, 1936 Blough Oct. 19, 1943 Bottinelli Feb. 13, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain June 14, 1949 Great Britain June 14, 1949 

